Megakaryocyte mass and effective platelet production in megakaryocyte disorders

Bone marrow analysis was performed in normal subjects and patients with a variety of hematological conditions: hypoplastic bone marrow states (Hypo), B12 deficiency (B12 def), congestive splenomegaly (Congest), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), chronic inflammation (Inflam), and essential thrombocythemia (ET). Left panel: The megakaryocyte mass was markedly reduced in hypoplastic bone marrow states but variably increased in all other conditions. Right panel: Effective platelet production, as determined by platelet kinetic study, was significantly reduced only in hypoplastic bone marrow states and B12 deficiency and variably increased in all other conditions.